Samsung’s co-CEO Han Jong-hee passes away

Samsung Electronics co-Chief Executive Officer Han Jong-hee passed away on Tuesday after a sudden cardiac arrest.

The technological giant spokesperson confirming the development stated that the 63-year-old died at a hospital while being treated for cardiac arrest.

The company is yet to name his successor.

According to Reuters, Han was responsible for Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices division, while co-CEO Jun Young-hyun oversees the chip business of South Korea’s biggest company.

He was associated with Samsung for last three decades. He began his career in the displays division, was appointed to his role just three years ago, Bloomberg reported.

Han’s widely credited for building Samsung Electronics into the industry leader for TVs, displacing Japanese rivals such as Sony Group Corp.

He also oversaw a business that spanned most home appliances and competed with Apple Inc. in smartphones.

Recently, he took charge to integrate AI into Samsung’s range of Galaxy devices. Under Han’s leadership, the company has been installing AI chips in its fridges, washing machines and vacuum cleaners.

Han’s death comes at a crucial juncture for the company as it seeks to catch up with SK Hynix Inc. in AI memory, and navigates sluggish demand for consumer electronics.

Han shared leadership duties with Jun Young-hyun, who’s taken the helm of the company’s pivotal semiconductor business. Han was in charge of everything else at the massive electronics manufacturer.